Love is in the air

Love is in the airRomance was in the air at The Herald Bride and Groom 2010 cocktail party on Monday night. Held at the oh-so-swish Villa Tuscana in Summerstrand, the Jaywalkers Jazz band set a mellow tone for the glamorous event, won by Tim and Rebecca Jopson of Newton Park.And the twinkle in the eye had a happy result for at least two of the 15 brides picked as finalists in the competition who have had babies since their wedding day last year – Noluthando Mesani brought her cherub along (just the cutest little cupcake!) while Nomahlubi Wambi rushed home early to relieve the babysitter.Women were in the spotlight in government as well this week. Dancing Queens? Who knew? Well, your search and spotter columnist does now, having naturally made her way to the International Women’s Day celebrations at Nangoza Jebe Hall in the Bay last week.Skinnerbek is not exactly partial to politics, but she does know a few things about flying party colours and even your revving reporter raised an eyebrow when she saw Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture MEC Xoliswa Tom confusing fellow ANC loyalists no end when she sailed in wearing a cap with DA colours! But so what? Nothing like a little bit of party flirting to keep everyone on their little twinkle toes, is there Xoliswa? You big tease you!And Pemmy – please stand your ground when it comes to stellar style, sista. Don’t get all stalled at that forlorn functional fashion junction, girl.Of course, Skinnerbek is referring to fashionista and Social Development and Women, Youth and People with Disabilities MEC Pemmy Majodina, who arrived at the event wearing trademark designer threads. But clearly feeling queasy about not fitting in with the rest of the politicos and masses who came wearing branded T-shirts (Yawn!), she made a quick turn at the restroom (or re-dress room) and – surprise, surprise – emerged dressed up in ANC Women’s League regalia. Skinnerbek wonders where Pemmy got all the paraphernalia from at short notice – the glad rags seemed to fit her so well.But the best was still to come. It seems Majodina, who is the former ANC provincial secretary, does not only command respect waltzing down the corridors of the Bhisho Legislature, but she can shake it just as well on the dance floor. Her moves and grooves were contagious and the next thing Eastern Cape Premier Noxolo Kiviet – perhaps a little out of sorts with the fact that Majodina was getting all the attention – soon joined her.Eish! Shame. As it turns out, our honourable premier is not blessed with the same kind of dancing skills as our Prancing Pemmy – but hey, prems, good on you for trying! You and the others certainly kept Skinnerbek and the rest of the gang highly entertained.And then, just when you thought everyone knew whose side of the party line they were on at this party, another bit of camp consternation.A large number of ANC members came wearing T-shirts bearing the handsome face of former president Thabo Mbeki while the current incumbent countenance of President Jacob Zuma peered out from other apparel.Skinnerbek half expected the guests to break out into a rendition of the famous Polokwane boogie-woogie – the one where everybody sidesteps everything!ýFinally, when you say you are “out of the country” in 2011, could this be a new meaning for actually being right in your office?Senzeni Ndebele of the Coega Development Corporation (CDC) declared she was indeed “out of the country” when Skinnerbek’s colleague called her for a comment last week.“I can’t comment, I’m out of the country,” said Ndebele. But perhaps realising this was not exactly accurate, she later admitted, “Well, I’m actually about to board a flight so it’s going to be useless for me to comment.”But at the very same time a Coega official confirmed seeing Ndebele right there in the office. Welcome back to the “country”, Senzeni. Hope you bought Skinnerbek some goodies on your trip!